On each Tuesday of September, the afternoon was spent making gift tags and boxes, homemade goodies from the kitchen, Jelly Soap, and best of all, having fun, laughing, and sharing genuine camaraderie!

All agreed that they have been inspired with ideas for making their own Christmas gifts this year. The candied almonds, ginger, and honey butter were a favorite since each of these treats were delicious were easy to prepare. But the Christmas gift that was the most fun had to be the Jelly Soap. These were pretty little jiggly, individual soaps were made with gelatin and liquid soap. Food coloring and favorite scents could be added to this recipe. Silicon heart-shaped molds gave the soaps that special touch. The soaps were placed in a pretty jar with a handmade scrubby on top. Such a neat and unusual handmade gift!

The N.C. Cooperative Extension of Clay County office is already planning programs for the year 2019.

A different topic will be covered each month emphasizing Safe Homes, Healthy Homes.

There is also a program planned for October 31 and November 7. More information will be given soon! Donna Tulley will be discussing preserving and using fresh herbs!

Call the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Clay County office at 389-6305 or email Teresa Goley at Tlwiley@ncsu.edu and put your name on the mailing list for the upcoming Family and Consumer Science Programs. If you have any ideas about topics that you would like to see included in the plans, be sure tell us when you add your name to the mailing list.

More than 25,000 lay leaders comprise the Extension Advisory Leadership System. These volunteers keep Extension professionals aware of local issues and needs.

We receive financial support from three levels of government – federal, state and county – and from private financial sources. We also receive support from agribusiness; organizations devoted to agriculture, youth and health; foundations and individuals. The Extension Service works cooperatively with other state and governmental agencies.

Marketing and production of alternative agricultural opportunities and enterprises

Natural resource conservation and management

Nutrition and wellness

Residential and community horticulture, forestry and pest management

Residential and community water and waste management

Resilient youth, families and communities

Youth development

How we communicate with you

Extension agents, located in every county and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, are the bridge between specialists on the university campuses and you.

The staff in your Extension Center coordinates educational programs, public meetings, workshops, field days, personal consultations and satellite broadcasts to help you improve your life. Your Extension Center is stocked with publications, newsletters, computer programs and videotapes on a variety of topics.

To put Cooperative Extension to work for you, call or visit us.

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.